Anthurium flowers are gaining recognition worldwide for their striking beauty, glossy petals, and extended vase life, making them highly desirable in the ornamental flower industry. India recently made history by exporting its first batch of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore, showcasing the country’s growing prominence in global floriculture.
Among the most cultivated species are Anthurium scherzerianum and Anthurium andraeanum, known for their bright red spathes. Hybrid varieties now come in a range of colors and patterns, adding to their commercial appeal. However, it’s important to note that Anthurium plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic if ingested and potentially irritating to the skin and eyes.
Anthurium Cultivation in India
With its preference for humid, tropical conditions, Anthurium thrives in states like Mizoram, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Mizoram, in particular, has emerged as a key producer due to its favorable climate and government-backed floriculture initiatives. The successful export of these flowers underscores the region’s potential as a major hub for high-value ornamental plants.
Anthurium as a Low-Maintenance Houseplant
Many Anthurium species, such as Anthurium crystallinum and Anthurium clarinervium, are popular houseplants, prized for their large, velvety leaves with striking venation. These plants flourish in moist, organic-rich soils and can be grown in pots indoors at temperatures between 16–22°C (61–72°F).
Regular maintenance, including wiping the leaves and providing occasional fertilizer, ensures healthy growth. Climbing varieties also benefit from a totem or support structure. Commercially, most Anthurium propagation is done through tissue culture, ensuring large-scale production for global markets.
Expanding into the International Market
The recent export of Anthurium flowers from Aizawl, Mizoram, to Singapore marks a major breakthrough for Indian floriculture. A consignment of 1,024 Anthurium flowers, weighing 70 kg and packed in 50 corrugated cardboard boxes, was shipped via Kolkata. The export was facilitated by IVC Agrovet Pvt. Ltd., with flowers sourced from the Zo Anthurium Growers Cooperative Society in Aizawl and imported by Veg Pro Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Anthurium Festival: Mizoram’s Cultural Extravaganza
The Anthurium Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Mizoram, organized as a successful tourism promotion initiative by the state's Tourism Department. The festival is held annually for three days in the charming village of Reiek, the festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, nature, and tradition. Located just an hour’s drive from Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital, the festival coincides with the peak blooming season of the exquisite anthurium flowers, adding to its scenic beauty.
Set against the lush green backdrop of the Reiek Mountain, the festival is an extravagant display of music, dance, traditional games, fashion shows, handicrafts, handloom exhibitions, and authentic Mizo cuisine. The festival’s origin is closely linked to the large-scale cultivation of anthurium flowers by Mizo women, a practice encouraged by Mizoram’s Horticulture Department. This initiative aimed to provide financial independence to housewives, leading to a thriving export industry for these vibrant flowers.
The anthurium flowers grown in Mizoram are regarded as some of the finest in the country. To further support and promote this floral industry, the Zo Anthurium Growers Society was established. These high-quality cut flowers are now exported across India and internationally. Recognizing the significance of this movement, the Tourism Department collaborated with the Horticulture Department to launch the Anthurium Festival in 2006, turning it into a major annual event that showcases Mizoram’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic progress.
The export of Anthurium flowers to Singapore highlights the international potential of Northeast India’s horticulture industry, particularly in floriculture. Anthurium cultivation plays a crucial role in Mizoram’s economy, providing a sustainable livelihood for farmers, especially women in agriculture. Additionally, the state also hosts the annual Anthurium Festival, which not only promotes tourism but also showcases the flower’s aesthetic and commercial value to the nation.
With an increasing demand in the global market, Anthurium’s successful debut in international trade is set to pave the way for further growth in India’s floriculture sector, highlighting North East India’s position as a flourishing hub for high-value ornamental plants.
